What you need to know about human trafficking and exploitation
Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It’s a time when we raise awareness for the issue of human trafficking and exploitation, publicly oppose this form of modern-day slavery and spread the message that help is available for exploited people everywhere.
Human trafficking and exploitation is a significant problem right here in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. It impacts people of all ages and backgrounds, living in cities, suburbs and rural communities alike.
Let’s start with a basic definition:
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion, either to illicit a commercial sex act or involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery. Victims range in age, gender and race and are located in rural communities, urban areas and suburbs throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Trafficked people may be forced to perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:
Commercial sex, stripping or pornography
Forced begging
Selling magazines, water and other products
Maids, domestic workers, au pairs or nannies
Restaurant work
Hair and nail salons, massage services
Farm work
Drug manufacture and sales
Traffickers target and lure victims in many ways, including: employment offers, dating scenarios and using victims to recruit their friends. Some people also exploit their own children and family members. Learn more about the red flags and warning signs of human trafficking.
Sojourner is on the frontlines of human trafficking in Milwaukee
Sojourner provides people who have been trafficked and exploited with emergency shelter, support services and access to therapy, legal services and community resources. We help survivors regain control in their lives.
We have Advocates who specialize helping people who are being exploited and trafficked and work with law enforcement and local agencies to connect victims with food, shelter and support with the goal of breaking free from the trafficker.
Milwaukee is a hub for traffickers moving victims through the Midwest due to its close proximity to Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Victims are often moved to various locations along Wisconsin’s highway system and housed in area hotels and motels. We also are part of the Milwaukee Joint Human Trafficking Task Force a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement of all levels, non-government organizations and legal services working together in a victim-centered way to combat human trafficking.
How to help
If you suspect human trafficking or exploitation, do not confront traffickers directly or alert possible victims of your suspicions. Call the National Human Trafficking hotline or local law enforcement. If you know someone who is involved and needs support, call Sojourner’s 24-hour hotline.
Resources
The National Trafficking Hotline
(888) 373-7888
(TTY: 711) or text: BeFree (233733)
Sojourner
(414) 933-2722 (24-Hour Hotline)
Milwaukee Police Department
(414) 933-4444 (non-emergency number)